Fix the back four

We can’t keep getting caught out in the same areas. Tav was slow to react and, by the time he moved, the attacker had already let fly. Even if he wasn’t picking the runner up initially, it’s his side to sort. Keep that back line the same and we risk winning very little.

Where the danger is

Full-backs have to go to where the danger sits. Last game felt like we were a step behind more often than not. To be fair, sometimes runners come from positions you don’t anticipate, but the full-back’s responsibility is to close that space quickly. When that doesn’t happen the only certainty is more half chances for the opposition and more pressure on our centre-backs.

Options, fitness and who’s available

Looks like Sterling won’t be fit, and Barron not fit to plug gaps, so Rohl will have to come up with something. It’s not an ideal selection headache. Djiga can be hit and miss, but he showed at Motherwell that he can handle quicker runners when needed — he has the pace to cover ground. That’s useful information when thinking about who plays where.

Cornelius at left-back to allow Rommens licence to go forward is the kind of pragmatic tweak I’d consider. It would mean Tav drops to the bench, which isn’t popular to suggest, but if he keeps costing us with missed reactions then it’s a choice that has to be made. Aarons has more zip and might be better equipped to deal with a player like Maeda, who thrives on quick feet.

Pragmatism over pride

Truth is, we need to be on the front foot without gambling our entire defence away. A small, sensible reshuffle — prioritising cover and pace at the back — buys us the licence to press higher. Rohl has to balance attacking intent with insurance behind the ball. It won’t be perfect, and some tweaks feel awkward, but it’s better than sticking stubbornly to a back four that keeps getting exposed.

Written by Rosevale: 6 March 2026